Frothy surf, soft sands, bohemian-hip culture and rich Aboriginal history have combined to crown Byron Bay's The Pass as the best beach in the world, according to Lonely Planet.
Australia's Byron Bay has taken the pole spot in Lonely Planet's latest book, Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches. Renowned for its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere, The Pass is also a surfer's haven, with a right-hand point break creating optimum swells.
The area's Aboriginal history is evident through a midden near the boat ramp, where archeological material like shells and bones give an insight into the conservation area's past as a sacred site for the Arakwal people. Subtropical rainforest houses koalas and brush turkeys, while hiking tracks around Cape Byron offer views of The Pass from myriad angles.
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The Pass is one of 15 beaches in Oceania featured on the coveted list, in addition to:
- Blue Lagoon Beach, Yasawa Islands, Fiji
- Lalomanu Beach, Upolu, Samoa
- Tapuaetai/One Foot Island Beach, Cook Islands
- Ta'ahiamanu Beach, French Polynesia
- Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
- Awaroa Beach, New Zealand
- Bells Beach, VIC, Australia
- Cable Beach/Walmanyjun, WA, Australia
- Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia
- Bondi Beach, NSW, Australia
- Lucky Bay/Kepa Kurl, WA, Australia
- Squeaky Beach, VIC, Australia
- Tangalooma Beach, QLD, Australia
- Whitehaven Beach, QLD, Australia
Looking for more beach inspiration? Read Secret Sands: These Are Phuket's Top Under-the-Radar Beaches.
